Significant Increase In Activity Research Articles

The respiratory chain of Klebsiella aerogenes in urine-like conditions: critical roles of NDH-2 and bd-terminal oxidases

Klebsiella aerogenes is an opportunistic nosocomial bacterial pathogen that commonly causes urinary tract infections. Over the past decades, K. aerogenes strains have acquired resistance to common antibiotics that has led to the rise of multidrug-resistant and even pandrug-resistant strains. Infections produced by these strains are nearly impossible to treat, which makes K. aerogenes a global priority to develop new antibiotics and there is an urgent need to identify targets to treat infections against this pathogen. However, very little is known about the metabolism and metabolic adaptations of this bacterium in infection sites. In this work, we investigated the respiratory metabolism of K. aerogenes in conditions that resemble human urine, allowing us to identify novel targets for antibiotic development. Here we describe that, unlike other gram-negative pathogens, K. aerogenes utilizes the type-2 NADH dehydrogenase (NDH-2) as the main entry point for electrons in the respiratory chain in all growth conditions evaluated. Additionally, in urine-like media, the aerobic metabolism as a whole is upregulated, with significant increases in succinate and lactate dehydrogenase activity. Moreover, our data show that the bd-I type oxidoreductases are the main terminal oxidases of this microorganism. Our findings support an initial identification of NDH-2 and bd-I oxidase as attractive targets for the development of new drugs against K. aerogenes as they are not found in human hosts.

High‐Throughput Absorbance‐Activated Droplet Sorting for Engineering Aldehyde Dehydrogenases

AbstractRecent decades have seen a dramatic increase in the commercial use of biocatalysts, transitioning from energy‐intensive traditional chemistries to more sustainable methods. Current enzyme engineering techniques, such as directed evolution, require the generation and testing of large mutant libraries to identify optimized variants. Unfortunately, conventional screening methods are unable to screen such large libraries in a robust and timely manner. Droplet‐based microfluidic systems have emerged as a powerful high‐throughput tool for library screening at kilohertz rates. Unfortunately, almost all reported systems are based on fluorescence detection, restricting their use to a limited number of enzyme types that naturally convert fluorogenic substrates or require the use of surrogate substrates. To expand the range of enzymes amenable to evolution using droplet‐based microfluidic systems, we present an absorbance‐activated droplet sorter that allows droplet sorting at kilohertz rates without the need for optical monitoring of the microfluidic system. To demonstrate the utility of the sorter, we rapidly screen a 105‐member aldehyde dehydrogenase library towards D‐glyceraldehyde using a NADH mediated coupled assay that generates WST‐1 formazan as the colorimetric product. We successfully identify a variant with a 51 % improvement in catalytic efficiency and a significant increase in overall activity across a broad substrate spectrum.

Subclinical imaging activity in multiple sclerosis patients during war-related psychological stress.

Psychological stress has been suggested as a contributory factor in the onset and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). The 7 October 2023 terrorist attacks in Israel caused significant psychological stress, providing a unique context to study its impact on MS activity. This study aims to assess the impact of war-related psychological stress on MS activity using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and clinical follow-up. This observational retrospective case-control study includes 93 patients with MS (pwMS) who had routine annual MRI scans from three periods (7 October 2021 to 7 January 2022; 7 October 2022 to 7 January 2023; and 7 October 2023 to 7 January 2024). Data were collected from medical records and MRI scans at Hadassah Medical Center. MRI scans were classified as active if new or enlarging T2 lesions and/or enhancing T1 lesions were present. MRI activity significantly increased among pwMS during the first 3 months of the war compared to the corresponding period in the preceding year (11/93 vs. 23/93, P = 0.0139), with an OR of 4.0 (95% confidence interval: 1.29-16.442). pwMS with an EDSS score ≥4 showed a significant increase in MRI activity (P = 0.045), whereas no significant increase was observed in patients with an EDSS score ≤3.5 (P = 0.23). Additionally, MRI activity increased later during the war compared to the previous year (P < 0.0001). This study provides evidence of increased MRI-detected disease activity in pwMS during periods of war-related psychological stress. Our findings highlight the importance of considering psychological stress in MS management. Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential for increased disease activity in pwMS during extreme stress and may consider more frequent monitoring, including MRI scans, or treatment adjustments during such periods.

Organ toxicities associated with diet-induced obesity in rats: Investigation of changes in activities selected enzymes.

Obesity stands out as one of the most significant health problems in the modern world. The prevalence of high-calorie diets (HCDs) globally exacerbates this condition. Throughout history, plants and plant-derived food products have been utilized for medicinal purposes, demonstrating their efficacy in the treatment and prevention of various diseases. Gundelia tournefortii (GT), a plant of interest, is known to possess beneficial properties. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the immunotoxic and neurotoxic effects of two different doses of GT plant extract on the liver, brain, and heart tissues of obese rats. For this purpose, Wistar male rats were divided into four groups: "CG," "HCDG," "HCDGUN1," and "HCDGUN2" At the conclusion of the study, adenosine deaminase (ADA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities, as well as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) biomarkers, were evaluated in the liver, heart, and brain tissues. The study results revealed a statistically significant increase in ADA and MPO activities in the HCDG group compared to the CG group, alongside a significant decrease in the HCDGUN groups compared to the HCDG group. Regarding AChE and BChE activities, a statistically significant decrease was observed in the HCDG group compared to the CG group, whereas an increase was noted in the HCDGUN groups relative to the HCDG group, with the latter approaching values similar to those of the control group. In conclusion, the intake of GT plant extract exhibited positive effects on the immunotoxic and neurotoxic effects induced by HCD in rats with an experimental obesity model, as evidenced by tissue biomarker evaluations.

Antifungal Associations with a Polyelectrolyte Promote Significant Reduction of Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations against Opportunistic Candida spp. Strains.

The current global scenario presents us with a growing increase in infections caused by fungi, referred to by specialists in the field as a "silent epidemic", aggravated by the limited pharmacological arsenal and increasing resistance to this therapy. For this reason, drug repositioning and therapeutic compound combinations are promising strategies to mitigate this serious problem. In this context, this study investigates the antifungal activity of the non-toxic, low-cost and widely available cationic polyelectrolyte Poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA), in combination with different antifungal drugs: systemic (amphotericin B, AMB), topical (clioquinol, CLIO) and oral (nitroxoline, NTX). For each combination, different drug:PDDA ratios were tested and, through the broth microdilution technique, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of these drugs in the different ratios against clinically important Candida species strains was determined. Overall, PDDA combinations with the studied drugs demonstrated a significant increase in drug activity against most strains, reaching MIC reductions of up to 512 fold for the fluconazole resistant Candida krusei (Pichia kudriavzevii). In particular, the AMB-PDDA combination 1:99 was highly effective against AMB-resistant strains, demonstrating the excellent profile of PDDA as an adjuvant/association in novel antifungal formulations with outdated conventional drugs.

A wearable hip exoskeleton for anaerobic exercise in healthy adults

Guidelines encouraging social distancing, limited outings, and remote work due to COVID-19 have increased sedentary periods and reduced levels of physical activity. These habits increase the risk of metabolic diseases, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus. The World Health Organization recommends muscle-strengthening exercises as well as regular physical activity to promote overall health. This study investigates the effect of a wearable hip exoskeleton on muscle activity and heart rate during anaerobic exercise in 40 healthy adults (mean age of 40.00 ± 11.51 years; n = 20 females). Bot Fit, a wearable hip-type robotic exoskeleton, was developed by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Suwon, Republic of Korea) to enhance the effects of both aerobic and anaerobic exercise. All study participants performed a fitness exercise protocol, including knee-ups, good mornings, squats, mountain climbs, kick-backs, reverse lunges, and split jacks, with and without a Bot Fit. To evaluate the effect of anaerobic exercise with the Bot Fit, muscle activity and heart rate were measured during fitness exercises with and without a Bot Fit. Measured muscles were the rectus abdominis (RA), erector spinae (ES), rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), biceps femoris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius medialis (GCM), and gluteus maximus (GM). During anaerobic exercises with the Bot Fit, there was a significant increase in muscle activity compared to exercising without the Bot Fit. Muscle activity increased significantly in the RA, RF, VL, BF and TA muscles during knee-ups; in the ES, BF, and GM during good mornings; in the RF, VL, VM, BF, and GM during squats; in RA, RF, VL, VM, and GM during mountain climbs; in the RA and BF during kick-backs; in the RF, BF, and GCM during reverse lunges; and in the RF and VL during split jacks (p < 0.05). Heart rates showed a statistically significant increase during good mornings, mountain climbs, and reverse lunge exercises while wearing the Bot Fit (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that anaerobic exercises by healthy adults using a Bot Fit led to enhanced activation of abdominal and lower-limb muscles as well as an improved heart rate, maximizing the effect of anaerobic exercise compared with the same exercise protocol without a Bot Fit. This suggests that use of a Bot Fit can increase the effectiveness of anaerobic exercise in healthy adults.

Improving the quality of life of the elderly through a healthy and active lifestyle in Kepandean Village, Tegal District

A healthy concept encompasses various aspects of a person's life, including physical health, mental well-being, social relationships, and satisfaction with overall living conditions. For seniors, improving quality of life means ensuring that they can live fulfilling and meaningful lives in their senior years. Improving the quality of life of the elderly means paying attention to their needs holistically and providing appropriate support in various aspects of life. This article describes a program where participants will be given socialization on exercise practices and health checks for the elderly to improve the quality of life of the elderly seen from a healthy and active lifestyle. The aim of this service activity is to improve the welfare and quality of life of the elderly by providing information to the elderly about the importance of implementing lifestyle live a healthy and active life. Carrying out regular health checks can provide aspects in detecting health problems that may require immediate treatment. The service activity program includes various steps, including an initial test to measure the initial knowledge of the elderly, and a post-service evaluation to assess knowledge retention and health monitoring for the elderly. The results show a significant increase in knowledge and activity results after group exercise activities carried out by the elderly.

The effects of compound probiotics on production performance, rumen fermentation and microbiota of Hu sheep

Fungal probiotics have the potential as feed additives, but less has been explored in ruminant feed up to date. This study aimed to determine the effect of compound probiotics (CPs) with Aspergillus oryzae 1, Aspergillus oryzae 2 and Candida utilis on Hu sheep’s growth performance, rumen fermentation and microbiota. A total of 120 male Hu sheep, aged 2 months and with the body weight of 16.95 ± 0.65 kg were divided into 4 groups. Each group consisted of 5 replicates, with 6 sheep per replicate. Group A was the control group fed with the basal diet. Group B, C and D was supplemented with the basal diet by adding 400, 800 and 1,200 grams per ton (g/t) CPs, respectively. The feeding trial lasted for 60 days after a 10-day adaptation period. The results showed that the average daily gain (ADG) of sheep in the CPs groups were significantly higher, the feed/gain were significantly lower than those in group A in the later stage and the overall period. The addition of CPs increased the economic benefit. The levels of CD4+ and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio in the CPs groups were higher than those in Group A. The levels of GSH, IgG, IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-γ in group C were significantly elevated compared with group A. Group B showed a significant increase in rumen NH3-N and cellulase activity. There was no difference in VFAs content between group A and group B, however, with the increasing addition of CPs, the butyric acid and isobutyric acid content tended to decrease. The rumen microbiota analysis indicated that the CPs addition increased the Firmicutes and Proteobacteria abundances, decreased the Bacteroidetes abundance. The correlation analysis showed that Prevotella was negatively correlated with ADG, and the addition of 400 CPs in group B reduced Prevotella’s relative abundance, indicating CPs increased sheep growth by decreasing Prevotella abundance. The CPs addition reduced caspase-3, NF-κB and TNF-α expression in liver, jejunum and rumen tissues. In conclusion, the addition of CPs increased the sheep production performance, reduced inflammation, improved rumen and intestinal health. Considering the above points and economic benefits, the optimal addition of CPs as an additive for Hu sheep is 800 g/t.

Protective effect of (E)-(2,4-dihydroxy)-α-aminocinnamic acid, a hydroxy cinnamic acid derivative, in an ulcerative colitis model induced by TNBS.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a multifactorial disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. UC is the most common form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The current treatment for mild-to-moderate UC involves the use of 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA), but much of this compound is unabsorbed and metabolized by N-acetylation. Several efforts have since been made to evaluate new molecules from synthetic or natural sources. Recently, it was reported that (E)-(5-chloro-2-hydroxy)-α-aminocinnamic acid (2c) and (E)-(2,4-dihydroxy)-α-aminocinnamic acid (2f) are as good or better myeloperoxidase (MPO) inhibitors and antioxidants than 5-ASA. Then, the present study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of 2c and 2f on a rat model of UC induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). The results showed that TNBS caused the induction of colonic ulcers, as well as a significant increase in MPO activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) and a decrease in glutathione (GSH) content. The administration of 2f, 2c and 5-ASA, decreased the ulcers presence, inhibited MPO peroxidation activity and MPO presence (as determined by immunofluorescence), and increased GSH and reduced MDA content. However, 2f was better than 2c and 5-ASA, then, the principal mechanism by which 2f presented a protective effect in a UC model induced by TNBS in rats is by inhibiting MPO activity and due to its antioxidant activity.

Cardioprotective effects of cinnamoyl imidazole on apoptosis and oxidative stress in hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced H9C2 cell lines

BackgroundThis study explored the effects of cinnamoyl imidazole on alleviating oxidative stress and apoptosis in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced H9C2 cells, using computational analysis with in-vitro validation. MethodsComputational techniques, including SwissADME and Swiss Target Prediction, were employed to predict the ADME properties and to identify targets of cinnamoyl imidazole. Differential gene expression (DEG) analysis was conducted on myocardial infarction (MI) datasets obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Gene enrichment and molecular simulation studies were done to focus on apoptotic pathways. The computational findings were validated through In vitro experiments on H9C2 cardiomyocytes subjected to 8 h of hypoxia followed by 24 h of reoxygenation. Antioxidant enzyme levels (catalase, GST, GSH-Px, and SOD), mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), caspase-3 activity, and the expression of CASP3, MAPK8, JAK2, and BCL2L1 were assessed. ResultsCinnamoyl imidazole has demonstrated favourable pharmacokinetic properties, characterized by high gastrointestinal absorption and low toxicity with negative toxicity for organ endpoints. Molecular docking studies revealed the strong binding affinities for CASP3, MAPK8, and JAK2. In vitro results showed a significant increase in cell viability (94.7 % at 10 μM, p < 0.001) and antioxidant enzyme activity, along with a 64.3 % reduction in caspase-3 activity at 1000 μM (p < 0.01). Cinnamoyl imidazole treatment preserved mitochondrial membrane potential, downregulated pro-apoptotic genes CASP3 and MAPK8, and upregulated the anti-apoptotic gene BCL2L1. ConclusionCinnamoyl imidazole effectively mitigates oxidative stress and apoptosis in H/R-induced H9C2 cells, enhancing cell viability and antioxidant defenses while maintaining mitochondrial integrity.

Relevance and legal background of tourist guiding in Hungary

The profession of tourist guide has recently been subject to a significant loss of prestige in Hungary. There have been many career leavers who have been prevented from working due to an unregulated legal framework or a lack of government support during and in the post-COVID-19 period. The first problem - an ineffective and poorly regulated regulatory environment - has led to a significant increase in unauthorised tourism-related activities, undermining the reputation of the profession. As a result of the unregulated legal environment, the country - and Budapest in particular - is losing significant revenue and the situation is damaging the city’s image. Today, personal knowledge and experience are likely to be rendered worthless by the development of new technologies, tools and fast-paced lifestyles. Many people do not even know who exactly a tourist guide is, what their duties are and what regulations apply to their activities, despite the fact that tourist guides spend a lot of quality time with tourists visiting our country, providing them with information and acquainting them with our traditions. The transfer of value, which is the essence of their activity, is an important factor in shaping the image of the country and the perception of Hungary by visitors. Most people may not be aware of the remarkable difference between a qualified and licensed guide and an unqualified and unlicensed guide. The former presents a place authentically. This study aims to present the legal and professional background of this activity and the importance of this work in the light of current regulations, highlighting the important role of guides in the transmission of values today. It also focuses on the main changes and reactions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the uncertainties and concerns created by the legislative background. In order to illustrate the unique situation in Hungary, regulatory procedures and tourist management practices are also covered.

Machine learning algorithms to prevent fraudulent transactions in real-time

In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital finance, the proliferation of online transactions has been accompanied by a significant increase in fraudulent activities. This paper explores the application of machine learning algorithms to detect and prevent fraudulent transactions in real-time, thereby enhancing the security and reliability of financial systems. We investigate various machine learning techniques, including supervised learning models such as Random Forest, Logistic Regression, and Neural Networks, as well as unsupervised methods like anomaly detection. By leveraging these algorithms, we aim to identify patterns and anomalies indicative of fraudulent behavior. Our approach integrates robust preprocessing techniques and real-time data analysis to ensure high accuracy and efficiency. The results demonstrate that machine learning models can significantly reduce the incidence of fraud, providing financial institutions with a powerful tool to safeguard their customers’ assets. This study underscores the potential of machine learning to transform fraud detection, offering a scalable and adaptive solution to one of the most pressing challenges in the financial sector

Toxicity and Sublethal Effect of Chlorantraniliprole on Multiple Generations of Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae)

Due to the quick development of insecticide resistance, it is crucial to optimize management programs by understanding the sublethal effects of effective insecticides like chlorantraniliprole on Aedes aegypti L. populations. Using age-stage and two-sex life tables, we investigated the sublethal impacts of chlorantraniliprole on Ae. aegypti. Larval duration in the progeny of exposed parents was reduced by 0.33–0.42 days, whereas, the longevity of male and female adults was decreased by 1.43–3.05 days. Similarly, the egg-laying capacity of F1 and F2 progeny of the exposed parents was significantly reduced from 27.3% to 41.2%. The mean generation time (T) increased up to 11.8% in exposed populations, and the net reproduction rate (Ro) decreased by 51.50–55.60%. After 24 h of chlorantraniliprole treatment, there was a significant increase in cytochrome P450 activity. Contrarily, the activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST) initially declined but started increasing after 48 h of treatment. This research highlights the importance of chlorantraniliprole in mosquito management, as well as the importance of considering sublethal effects when developing strategies to handle them. Having a thorough understanding of the harmful effects of insecticides on mosquito populations can greatly enhance the effectiveness of insecticide-based interventions, while also minimizing the risk of pest resurgence.

General Synthesis of Single-Crystalline Ta2O5 Nanorods Towards Enhanced Photocatalytic H2 Production Activity.

As a potential candidate for photocatalytic H2 production from water splitting, Ta2O5 catalyst presents suitable conduction and valence band positions, but suffers from poor charge transfer ability, which seriously limits its photocatalytic performance enhancement. Here, a facile and eco-friendly hydrothermal method was developed for the fabrication of one-dimensional (1D) Ta2O5 nanorods using the freshly precipitated tantalic acids as the precursors. An oriented attachment mechanism was proposed for the growth of Ta2O5 nanorods. Moreover, the present synthetic approach was further extended to direct synthesis of nine kinds of alkaline tantalates and alkaline-earth tantalates nanostructures, suggesting its general applicability. A significant increase in activity in photocatalytic H2 production was revealed on 1D Ta2O5 nanorods. The improved photocatalytic H2 production activity of Ta2O5 nanorods was mainly attributed to its 1D nanorods structure with high crystallization and large specific surface areas as well as excellent charge transfer efficiency.

Factor XI activity in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract Background ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is characterized by a significant thrombotic burden, where the coagulation cascade, including Factor XI (FXI) activity, plays a crucial role. In STEMI and other thrombotic conditions, FXI levels vary according to patient characteristics and timing from the event. Understanding the changes in FXI activity may offer valuable insights into the optimal patient selection and timing for use of investigational FXI inhibitors. Purpose Our aim was to characterize variations in FXI activity in STEMI patients. Methods In this prospective, observational study, patients admitted with STEMI underwent two measurements of plasma FXI activity, prior to coronary angiography and at discharge, using the HemosIL assay. The variation in FXI activity at these timepoints was compared between patients with and without coronary thrombus, as detected by an angiographic core-lab. Linear regression analyses were conducted to test the association of candidate predictors with FXI variation between admission and discharge (i.e., presence of coronary thrombus, PCI of the culprit artery, Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow post-PCI, bailout use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, time to second measurement of FXI activity) and with FXI value at admission (i.e., age, sex, atrial fibrillation, late [&amp;gt;24 hours] STEMI presentation, presence of coronary thrombus). Results From November 2023 to February 2024, 49 STEMI patients were included. The median variation in FXI activity among admission and discharge was +24.8% (interquartile range [IQR] 11.8; 69.0; p&amp;lt;0.001). This variation was observed in both patients with (+41.6% [IQR 14.3; 74.6]; p&amp;lt;0.001) and without (+21.8% [IQR -2.3;40.7]; p=0.008) thrombus at coronary angiography, with significant interaction effects compared to the global STEMI population (p for interaction &amp;lt;0.001). An inverse linear regression relationship was observed between presence of coronary thrombus and changes in FXI activity (coefficient -33.0, 95% CI -59.5 to -7.2; p=0.012). Furthermore, in the model exploring predictors of FXI activity at admission, thrombus presence (coefficient -40.9, 95% CI -75.3 to -6.4; p=0.024) and subacute presentation (coefficient 90.8, 95% CI 21.9 to 159.8; p=0.015) emerged as significant predictors, albeit with contrasting effects on FXI activity. Figure 1 Conclusions Our findings reveal significant increases in FXI activity from admission to discharge in STEMI patients. The inverse relationship between the presence of coronary thrombus and FXI activity variations, along with the contrasting associations among initial FXI levels and subacute patients’ presentation or thrombus presence, support the importance of FXI in the coagulation process during STEMI. These findings suggest targeted FXI inhibition, especially early in STEMI management, could be beneficial, meriting detailed investigation in future studies.Multivariable linear regression analysis

Безопасность применения двухкомпонентного препарата моноклональных антител к SARS-CoV-2 (тиксагевимаб + цилгавимаб) для доконтактной профилактики новой коронавирусной инфекции у детей с ревматическими заболеваниями

New coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Tixagevimab+cilgavimab has been developed for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the safety of the use of the two-component drug of monoclonal antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 (tixagevimab+cilgavimab) for pre-exposure prophylaxis of the new coronavirus infection in children with rheumatic diseases (RDs). Materials and methods used: a single-center retrospective study with prospective stage had been carried out that included 300 pediatric patients aged 12 to 18 y/o with RDs. The safety of pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 was assessed based on the dynamics of clinical and laboratory parameters as well as the total indices of RD activity. The effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis was assessed based on recording the incidence of the new coronavirus infection. Safety and effectiveness were assessed after 3, 6, and 9 months after the administration of tixagevimab+cilgavimab drug. Results: no statistically significant increase in RDs activity was registered during 9 months of observation after pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19. On the contrary, in patients with various types of juvenile arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile ankylosing spondylitis during the observation period against the background of antirheumatic therapy, a statistically significant decrease in the activity indices was registered - JADAS71 (p&lt;0.001, p=0.002, p=0.030), SELENA-SLEDAI (p&lt;0.001, p=0.027, p=0.570) and JSpADA (p=0.009, p=0.205, p=1.000), respectively; in patients with juvenile dermapolymyositis, systemic sclerosis and systemic vasculitis - a tendency to decrease in activity indices - DAS (p=0.002, p=0.050, p=0.193), J4S (p=0.840, p=0.720, p=1.000), PVAS (p=0.120, p=0.230, p=1.000 for the new and p=0.360, p=1.000, p=0.860 for the constant attributes), respectively. The new coronavirus infection was suffered by 6/300 (2%) patients within 9 months after pre-exposure prophylaxis. Conclusion: pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 with the two-component drug of monoclonal antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 (tixagevimab+cilgavimab) may be considered as both effective and safe and can therefore be suggested to pediatric patients with RDs.

Comparative Study on the Response of Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.), Salvia (Salvia officinalis L.), and Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) to Drought Stress Under Foliar Application of Selenium

Drought is one of the most important abiotic factors limiting plant productivity. Although the aromatic plants of the Lamiaceae family often grow in arid regions, drought tolerance varies greatly among the different species of this family. The effect of induced drought stress can be reduced by the application of selenium. The current study aims to compare the growth and biochemical responses of three species of the Lamiaceae family (hyssop, salvia, and oregano) to drought stress and the possibility of reducing the effect of stress in these plants by foliar treatment with selenium. Drought stress reduced the fresh and dry biomass of hyssop (by 35% and 15%), salvia (by 45% and 41%), and oregano (by 51% and 32%). Se treatment did not affect the growth of plants under drought stress, but it improved relative water content in hyssop and salvia under moderate drought conditions. A reduction in the content of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b (in hyssop and salvia). In addition, an increase in the content of hydrogen peroxide (in oregano and salvia), malondialdehyde, and proline in plants cultivated under drought conditions was observed. Se treatment led to reduced levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, along with an increase in chlorophyll a content (in hyssop and oregano) and proline content. The response of the antioxidant system depended on the plant species. Hyssop exhibited a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase activities. Oregano showed enhanced catalase activity. Salvia experienced a sharp increase in ascorbic acid content. Se treatment stimulated the accumulation of phenolic compounds and increased glutathione peroxidase activity in all studied species.

Sleep, dietary intake and physical activity changes with onset of shift work in intern paramedics

Paramedic work is associated with high staff turn-over, insufficient sleep and adverse health outcomes. Our understanding of the relationship between paramedic work and the health behaviours that may precede adverse health outcomes is limited, as few longitudinal studies have examined health behaviours in workers before they commence on the road work. Such research is needed to inform evidence-based recommendations specifically for new paramedics. The current observational cohort study examined self-reported sleep, dietary intake and physical activity in 21 intern paramedics: 15 female and 6 male (median age: 23.0 years [interquartile range (IQR): 4.0]) from an Australian ambulance service. A subset of participants ( n = 16) provided fasting blood samples for cardiometabolic markers (cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting glucose). Data were collected quarterly (pre-shift work, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months post commencement). Linear mixed models showed that the first 12 months of shift work were associated with poorer sleep quality ( p = .036), consumption of fewer kilojoules ( p = .026), reduced saturated fat consumption ( p = .005) and lower sodium ( p = .043) and sugar ( p = .038) intake. There were significant increases in leisure time physical activity ( p = .008). This study shows negative changes in sleep quality and improvements in diet and leisure time physical activity during the first 12 months of paramedic work. Individual differences observed in this study, and ongoing suboptimal dietary intake, highlight a need for larger studies with more participants and a focus on personalised strategies for new recruit paramedics.

Neurotoxicity, Cytotoxicity, and Genotoxicity of Phyto-radio Synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles in Culex pipiens Complex.

Effective mosquito management strategies are crucial to minimize the number of mosquito-borne diseases. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are promising in mosquito control because they are effective and eco-friendly rather than synthetic insecticides. The current study was conducted to evaluate the impact of SeNPs on the detoxification enzymes, acetylcholine esterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and α-carboxyl esterase (α-CarE), in larval instars of Culex pipiens complex at the LC50 concentration. In 3rd instar larvae treated with microwave-assisted selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs-MW) and gamma-assisted selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs-G), it was found that AChE activity was significantly inhibited. On the other hand, significant increases in GST and α-CarE activities were observed. Additionally, genotoxic and ultrastructure studies of midgut epithelial cells in 3rd instar larvae revealed DNA damage and cell lysis, including destruction of the cell membrane, microvilli, and nuclei. These findings suggest that SeNPs have an adverse effect on AChE gene expression, resulting in its downregulation. This downregulation can be attributed to the formation of reactive oxygen species induced by SeNPs that can modulate the host defense mechanism leading to apoptosis and subsequent larval mortality. The present study was the first to use phyto-microwave-assisted and gamma-assisted synthesis of SeNPs which provides an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution to reduce the risk of chemical insecticides. Furthermore, an integrated pest management program (IPM) using nanocides can be successfully developed for mosquito control.

Effects of combined application of phosphorus and zinc on growth and physiological characteristics of apple rootstock M9-T337 seedlings (Malus domestica Borkh.)

BackgroundBalancing nutrient application is crucial for plant growth. However, excessive fertilizer use, especially imbalanced applications of macronutrients such as phosphate (P), can hinder plant uptake of micronutrients. Balanced P and zinc (Zn) are vital for apple yield and quality, and apple trees are highly sensitive to deficiencies in these nutrients. Therefore, this study was conducted in May 2022, employed a sand culture experiment to investigate the effects of varying P and Zn levels on the growth phenotype, photosynthetic capacity, antioxidant enzyme activity, sugar composition, endogenous hormone levels, and nutrient absorption and utilization of M9-T337 seedlings. Three levels of P (low, medium, high) and three levels of Zn (low, medium, high) were combined to create a total of nine distinct treatment.ResultsThe results indicate that combined P and Zn fertilization at various levels exerts either synergistic or antagonistic effects on the growth, nutrient absorption, and utilization of M9-T337 seedlings. Compared to low and medium levels of P, a combination of high P (4 mmol·L−1) and an adequate amount of Zn significantly enhanced plant growth, root system development, and the microstructure of leaves. Notably, seedlings treated with high P and low Zn (HPLZn) reached a height 1.54 times that of the medium P and medium Zn (MPMZn, control). Physiological indicators under HP conditions revealed significant increases in antioxidant enzyme activity, leaf water retention, photosynthetic pigment concentration, osmotic adjustment substances, and the contents of glucose, sucrose, fructose, endogenous hormones, as well as P and Zn accumulation in the leaves, compared to the control. However, an increase in Zn application led to a declining trend in these parameters. Specifically, the HPLZn treatment exhibited substantial increases in Net photosynthetic rate (Pn), Total chlorophyll (Chl a + b), glucose, fructose, sucrose, and Auxin(IAA), with increments of 7.12%, 27.32%, 11.40%, 23.20%, 16.67%, and 55.11%, respectively, compared to the control.ConclusionBased on the comprehensive ranking from principal component analysis, the combination of HP ( 4 mmol·L−1) and LZn (0.5 µmol·L−1) was found to be the most effective in enhancing the antioxidant capacity, sugar accumulation, osmotic regulation ability, photosynthetic capacity, endogenous hormone levels, as well as P and Zn nutrient absorption and utilization in M9-T337 seedlings.